My house burning down : the firemen are taking their time
Please Mr fire detective : won't you save this old cabin of mine

I spent my money : looking to be happy some day
Now my house burning down : I ain't got no place to stay

That fire detective : don't mean me no good
Let my house burn into ashes : didn't leave me one stick of wood

Sat baby : won't you please write to me
I'm just as lonesome : as a young man can be

My house burned down : didn't leave me a doggone thing
Reason why it worries me : to hear that fire bell ring